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A Judiciary divided hurts citizens

If there had been any lingering doubt about the extent of the rift in the judiciary, the events of the last few days have totally erased them. The added dimension of Chief Justice Ivor Archie’s sabbatical in the midst of the ongoing court battle with the Law Association—an appeal of Tuesday’s ruling is now pending—only makes matters worse.

The controversies in which this indispensable organ of our democracy are embroiled have gone on for much too long with no indicators of a resolution any time soon. For the ordinary citizen it is looking more and more as though the very institution responsible for applying the laws to resolve disputes is incapable to doing just that to restore peace and harmony within its ranks.

This is not the first time the Judiciary, or even a sitting Chief Justice, has faced difficulties but this particular eruption looks more severe than previous episodes.

Losses have already been suffered, reputations have been battered. Continuing along the current path will only make things worse

T&T does not have to look very far to see how a country without a proper functioning judicial system descends into chaos and anarchy leaving citizens to suffer injustice and all kinds of intimidation.

The difficult truth that must be faced now by all sides involved in the current turmoil is that allowing it to continue threatens the ability of ordinary Trinidadians and Tobagonians to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The Judiciary must return to the place where it functions fully and efficiently as protector of the rights of citizens.

Bury this hatchet now and do everything possible to preserve our courts as neutral arenas in which disputes can be resolved.

Continue speaking your truth

One day after the 2018 edition of International Women’s Day, it is clear that a great deal of work needs to be done in this country. It is good that activities are continuing today and into this weekend to raise awareness and keep the focus on crucial issues affecting T&T’s women.

A lot of work still needs to be done to protect the rights of women and girls, including ensuring equality of treatment, safety from abuse and exploitation and opportunities to contribute fully to the advancement of this nation.

On these matters, we must continue to speak our truths.

March on, Soca Warriors

Congratulation to the senior men’s football team which has qualified for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, automatically seeded in League A. Best wishes for a successful campaign